My First Week with a Newborn
silky rani
What was the greatest challenge?
The greatest challenge so far has been dividing my attention between my two year old daughter, Darcy, and my newborn, Laney. Darcy is used to getting my undivided attention, and Laney needs to nurse every 2-3 hours and always wants to be held. When my husband is home, he either plays with Darcy or holds Laney, but I’m still trying to figure out how to make everyone happy when it’s just me and the girls. I must have thought that I would turn into Super Woman when I had my second daughter, or that I would grow a third arm…having two babies is tough!
Single parents or parents with more than two kids: HOW DO YOU DO IT!?!
What was the biggest surprise?
The biggest surprise was the difficulty I had breastfeeding for the first two weeks. I nursed Darcy until she was 18 months old, so I thought nursing Laney would be a cake walk. Wrong! I struggled with engorgement when my milk came in and painful inflammation. I was also doing ALL the wrong things to help with this. I finally called a lactation specialist and her advice was tremendously helpful. She told me to cut back on pumping and to stop applying heat, both of which were encouraging more milk production. Instead, she told me to use ice packs as often as possible and let Laney’s eating habits control how much milk I needed to produce.
This experience reminded me to ask for help from the experts. It’s important to me that I breastfeed Laney for at least a year, so I need all the help I can get!
What was the best part?
It’s tough to pick just one! I love being a mom so much, and it feels like Laney was always meant to be with us. And watching Darcy and Laney get to know each other melts my heart!
My entire pregnancy was very challenging (are any pregnancies easy!?) because I was at risk for preterm labor and on modified bedrest. I couldn’t take Darcy for walks or even to the park….just getting her dressed triggered painful contractions. Now that I have Laney safely in my arms, my favorite part has been being the best version of myself again for both Darcy and Laney. I can chase Darcy around the backyard, rock Laney all night, and do everything required to be an active and happy mom.
Keep a lookout for more interviews with new moms.
As always, Bonsie Skin to Skin Babywear is here to support you on the most joyful journey of your life!
